Moving Your Home Office Outdoors

Working from home can be stifling, especially when the sun is shining and the outdoors beckons. Moving your home office outside can be a great way to boost your mood, productivity, and energy levels. Even if you don't have a large backyard, a simple deck, patio, balcony, or fire escape can provide the fresh air and change of scenery you need.

The key to a successful outdoor office is to prepare for surprises and optimize your setup for comfort and functionality. From dealing with sun glare and overheating devices to creating a peaceful and private workspace, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

Choose the right outdoor space

Choosing the right outdoor space is crucial when setting up your home office outside. The ideal spot should provide access to fresh air, a change of scenery, and a break from spending time in tight spaces with your kids, spouse, or roommates. It should also be optimised for your technology and offer protection from the elements.

When selecting a location, consider an area that receives sunlight but doesn't leave you exposed to the sun for extended periods. Prolonged sunlight can cause sunburns and increase the strain on your eyes due to screen glare. It can also cause your laptop to overheat and potentially sustain damage. To combat this, you can limit your outdoor work to the morning and evening hours when the sun is less intense, or invest in an umbrella or awning to create shade.

The type of outdoor space you choose will depend on the available area and your personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

• Deck or Patio: If you have a deck or patio, this can be an excellent spot to set up your outdoor office. These areas typically provide a flat surface for your furniture and can be easily decorated to create a comfortable and functional workspace.
• Balcony: A balcony can also work well, especially if you have a balcony desk that attaches to the railing. This option is ideal for smaller spaces and provides a change of scenery without requiring a lot of furniture rearrangement.
• Backyard: If you have a spacious backyard, you can designate a specific area for your outdoor office. This could be a permanent setup with weather-resistant furniture or a portable arrangement that you can easily move indoors when not in use.
• Pergola or Gazebo: Building a semi-enclosed space, such as a pergola or gazebo, can provide protection from the elements while still allowing you to work outdoors. Side curtains can be added for more privacy and better protection from the sun or rain.

When choosing your outdoor space, consider the proximity to your router and the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. If you're too far from the router, you may need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to boost the signal strength. Additionally, ensure you have access to power outlets or invest in a portable power bank to keep your devices charged.

Reduce glare and protect your eyes

Working outside can be a great way to boost productivity and improve your mood. However, it's important to take steps to protect your eyes from the sun's glare. Here are some ways to reduce glare and protect your eyes when working outside:

Firstly, find a cool, shady spot to work. Direct sunlight on your laptop screen can cause glare, leading to eye strain and headaches. Working in the shade will help reduce glare and make it easier to see your screen. You can create shade by working under a tree, beneath an overhang, or using a patio umbrella. Additionally, try to work during the early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as strong.

Another way to reduce glare is by using a laptop sunshade or an anti-glare screen protector. These inexpensive additions can significantly reduce glare and eye strain, even if you're working in the shade. You can also try tilting your screen slightly downward to reduce reflections. If you wear glasses, consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating to further protect your eyes.

It's also important to remember to blink often when working outside. Staring at a screen can reduce your blink rate, leading to dry eyes and discomfort. Blinking keeps your eyes lubricated and helps prevent infections. You can also try using artificial tears or eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Finally, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Even if you're working in the shade, sunglasses can help reduce glare and eye strain. Choose a pair that blocks out blue light, as this type of light is known to cause damage to the eyes.

By following these simple tips, you can reduce glare and protect your eyes when working outside, making your outdoor office experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Create shade

Creating shade is essential for an outdoor home office, as direct sunlight on your laptop can cause glare and overheating. Here are some ways to create shade for your outdoor workspace:

Parasols, Sails and Retractable Awnings

Parasols, sails and retractable awnings are flexible options that provide shade without blocking natural light to your interior space. These can be easily adjusted to follow the sun's path and retracted when not in use.

Architectural Elements

Consider investing in a permanent architectural structure, such as a pergola or a pre-made shed. A pergola can be attached to an exterior wall to cover a dining or seating area. You can drape it with foliage, such as roses and vines, to enhance its aesthetic appeal and create a natural canopy.

Tree Cover

Trees are an excellent source of shade, providing coverage without completely blocking the sun. They can be trimmed to suit your needs and also offer privacy. If you're looking for a quicker solution, consider fast-growing trees like the American Sycamore, Hybrid Poplar, or Red Maple.

Temporary Canopies

Temporary structures like colourful canopies or tents can be set up for specific events or to create a fun atmosphere. They are simple to construct using tent poles and guy ropes, providing a charming alternative to a parasol.

Outdoor Rugs and Furniture

An outdoor rug can define your workspace and provide a comfortable, textured surface to pace on during virtual meetings. Strategically arranging your furniture in relation to the sun's angle can also help maximise shade.

Portable Shade Solutions

Portable solutions like patio umbrellas, awnings, and shade sails can be easily set up and moved around your outdoor space. You can also add personal touches, such as insect netting and outdoor lights, to enhance the ambiance of your shaded workspace.

Remember, creating shade is crucial for your comfort and the protection of your laptop or computer. By combining different shade solutions, you can ensure your outdoor home office remains cool and well-protected from the sun's glare.

Invest in the right technology

When moving your home office outside, investing in the right technology is crucial to ensure a seamless and productive outdoor work experience. Here are some essential technological considerations to make:

Enhance Your WiFi Signal

A strong and stable internet connection is vital for any outdoor workspace. Check your internet connection speed in your outdoor space. If it's not adequate for video calls or other bandwidth-intensive tasks, consider investing in a WiFi extender, mesh network system, or router extender to boost your WiFi coverage and speed. This will ensure that you can participate in video calls with good image quality and minimise any disruptions to your online work.

Ensure Reliable Power Sources

Reliable power sources are essential to keep your devices charged and running smoothly. If you're not near an outdoor power outlet, consider investing in a portable power bank, portable power station, or a simple extension cord to ensure your laptop, phone, and other devices stay charged throughout your workday.

Protect Your Devices

Working outdoors exposes your devices to the elements, particularly direct sunlight, which can cause overheating. Invest in a laptop cooling pad to regulate the temperature of your laptop and preserve its battery life. Additionally, consider getting a laptop sunshade or an anti-glare screen protector to reduce glare and eye strain, improving your overall viewing experience.

Choose the Right Accessories

Complete your outdoor office setup with the right accessories to enhance your comfort and productivity. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds can help you block out unwanted noise and focus on your work. If you prefer background music, a portable Bluetooth speaker can be a great addition. Don't forget to invest in a good pair of headphones with a built-in microphone for those important video calls.

Prepare for the Weather

While working outdoors, be mindful of the weather conditions and invest in technology to make your space more comfortable. If it gets chilly, consider investing in an outdoor patio heater to keep your workspace cosy. On the other hand, if the sun is an issue, a patio umbrella or a pop-up canopy can provide shade and protect your devices from direct sunlight.

By investing in the right technology, you can create an efficient and enjoyable outdoor home office setup that takes advantage of the benefits of working in the great outdoors.

Prepare for the elements

When moving your home office outside, it's important to prepare for the elements. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Keep a tube of sunscreen and insect repellent nearby. Store them in your outdoor space so that they are easily accessible and you're less likely to forget to use them.

Noise-cancelling Headphones

Some people enjoy the background noise of nature, but if you find it distracting, invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. This will help you tune out any unwanted sounds and improve your focus.

Allergy Medicine

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, keep some allergy medicine on hand. This will ensure you can enjoy your outdoor workspace without the inconvenience of allergies.

Stay Cool

Working outside won't be enjoyable if you're too warm or at risk of sunburn. Wear a brimmed hat, apply sunscreen regularly, use a portable fan, and drink plenty of water to stay cool.

Weatherproof Furniture

Opt for weatherproof furniture that can withstand the elements. Look for fade-resistant fabrics and furniture made from wood, resin, or metal that won't rust, chip, or rot when exposed to sun and water.

Create Shade

Limit your outdoor work to the morning and evening when it's cooler and there's less direct sunlight. If you need to work during the hotter parts of the day, set up an umbrella or awning to create shade and protect yourself from the sun.

Frequently asked questions